‘We Got To Change’, a three-track EP featuring the previously unheard title track, will be out on Feb. 16 via UMe/Republic Records.

‘We Got To Change’ was recorded on August 16, 1970, at Criteria Studios in Miami, during a pivotal period in the world of James Brown. In late 1969 and early 1970, the longtime members of his band, the James Brown Orchestra, disgruntled by low pay and fines levied for the musicians’ on-stage mistakes, walked out en masse. Brown quickly assembled a new group anchored by two young members of a Cincinnati-based soul unit, the Pacesetters: 26-year-old guitarist Phelps “Catfish” Collins and his 18-year-old bassist brother William “Bootsy” Collins. These youngbloods brought a harder edge and a fresh identity to Brown’s music on such 1970-71 singles as ‘Get Up I Feel Like Being A Sex Machine’, ‘Super Bad’ and ‘Soul Power’. Brown acknowledged this revitalized sound by tagging his group with a new name: the JB’s. It’s no surprise the track reflects on a pair of the singer’s longtime lyrical concerns: education for Black youth (first addressed in his 1966 single ‘Don’t Be a Dropout’) and outspoken views on social issues (variously delineated on hits like ‘Say It Loud I’m Black And I’m Proud’, ‘Get Up, Get Into It, Get Involved’ and ‘King Heroin’). With Black History Month upon us, ‘We Got To Change’ another example of Brown‘s social outreach (and outrage), is an encouraging thought three-track ‘We Got To Change’ EP features storming J.B.’s lineup starring Brothers Catfish and Bootsy Collins and “Funky Drummer” Clyde Stubblefield. Set will preface Feb. 19-20 premiere of two-night A&E documentary event ‘James Brown: Say It Loud’ from executive producers Mick Jagger and Questlove.

JAMES BROWN X ROOTS OF FIGHT

Roots Of Fight has created a unique capsule collection paying tribute to Mr. Dynamite and his new song ‘We Got To Change’. Roots Of Fight is a media, lifestyle and apparel brand that celebrates the improbable achievements of today’s most legendary athletes, innovators, and cultural icons.

JAMES BROWN X SONG-WORD ART HOUSE

Song-Word Art House will be paying tribute to the lyrics and music of James Brown, one of the world’s most dynamic performers and innovative songwriters, admired for his pioneering influence in funk, soul, and hip-hop music. The collection of original artworks by internationally acclaimed artists from around the world features a mixture of canvases, sculptures, and mixed media artworks, representing select lyrics from songs throughout James Brown’s illustrious career.

‘We Got To Change’ – Digital EP Tracklist

‘We Got To Change’ 3:45
‘We Got To Change’ (Extended Remix) 4:35
‘We Got To Change’ (Pixal Remix) 3:35